Tag Archives: poverty

At one point during Bryan Stevenson’s lecture on injustice and mass incarceration in America, the young man in his 20s seated next to me in the crowded auditorium quietly wiped tears from his face, trying to be as inconspicuous as … Continue reading →

I see plenty of unhappiness and misery in downtown Syracuse, but today’s encounter was heartbreaking. With my $7 lunch in hand, I strolled toward Columbus Circle, the city’s busiest pedestrian cut-through. I walked by the statue of Christopher Columbus, where … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I asked my homeless friend James what he thought about his upcoming 50th birthday. “It’s just another day,” he said as he sorted returnable bottles and cans before taking them to the redemption center. “Just another … Continue reading →

The “Community Build” project in Syracuse to house three formerly homeless men is nearing completion. Two months ago, a group of us from Upstate Medical University spent a day volunteering at the property, which was in pretty sad shape. We … Continue reading →

Brian D’Apice was backpacking half a world away when he dreamed up his next adventure, a 10,000-mile fundraising odyssey he’s calling “Bicycle Around America.” It’s exactly how it sounds. Brian, 30, of Glen Rock, Pa., will ride solo through every state on … Continue reading →

An encounter in a restaurant today confirmed a pattern I’ve noticed in the treatment of my city’s homeless and destitute. I’ve come across several local businesses — restaurants, mainly — that extend kindness, either with free food or coffee, a place to … Continue reading →

“Connect” can be represented in many ways, literally and figuratively. I went for a little of both — the item on the table between these two people, and the concept of human connection. On the right is Eric, 46, a homeless man in Syracuse, … Continue reading →

Yesterday morning I learned of a new video that’s making the rounds on social media, a hidden-camera exercise comparing people’s reactions to two individuals on crutches who “fall” on a city street. Of course I watched it, thinking that I’d … Continue reading →

The recent passing of Syracuse icon Gertis McDowell is instructive for two very different reasons. One, we can all learn from his upbeat attitude and the happiness he spread to strangers even when he was in pain. Two, we can try to … Continue reading →

Health care disparities in America, Case No. 108,000,000: Two people go to the dentist on the same day. I am “Exhibit A,” fully insured. My friend is “Exhibit B,” on Medicaid. Exhibit A: Two hours before my appointment to get … Continue reading →